President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that the responsibility of overcoming social problems does not fall on a certain individual or organization, and that athletes and other sports personnel have a national duty towards it. The President made this remark while speaking at the function held Tuesday evening, to introduce remuneration contracts for all national team players, as part of the Government’s sports manifesto pledge.
Speaking at the function, the President pointed out that an aspiring athlete would not let himself be a victim of social problems that plague every country. He said that showing leadership in maintaining unity in the society, and preventing others from going astray was an important contribution a sportsman could make for the country.
In his speech, the President said that sports was not just for leisure, but rather an important nation-building tool. The President noted that team work, competitive spirit, and determination were important lessons one would learn in the field of sports, which were vital for a nation’s advancement.
Stating that the country belonged to its youth, President Yameen described the youth as the “motor” that powers the country in its journey towards future goals. Underlining the high priority accorded to youth by the Government, the President said that a brighter future for the youth meant a brighter future for the country, and stability amongst the youth meant securing a stable future for the whole nation.
At the function, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom unveiled a special button to be worn by all national team athletes. First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim was also in attendance at the function.
